A Lake in the Hills, Illinois man pleaded guilty yesterday to posing as a doctor in order to buy a deadly neurotoxin that is found in puffer-fish. According to reports, the man intended on using the poison “as a weapon.”
Edward T. Bachner, 38, was arrested in 2008 following an investigation by the FBI that ended with biohazard agents raiding his home. He was charged with illegal possession of the puffer fish toxin in large amounts – 98 milligrams, or enough to kill 98 people. He was charged in 2009 of scheming to murder his wife in order to collect $20 million in life insurance.
In the plea agreement, Bachner admits that he planned to collect on a fraudulently purchased $20 million policy on a person identified only as “Individual A.”
Tetrodotoxin is produced naturally in puffer fish, which is considered a delicacy in Japan – sushi chefs often meticulously serve a dish called fugu – a dish that is supposed to be poison free, but is often described as an “eat at your own risk” endeavor.
Between 2006 and 2008, Bachner, a financial planner, was buying large quantities of the toxin – posing as Dr. Edmund Backer, he placed an order for 98 milligrams of the toxin in 2008. When the company informed him that such a vast quantity was unavailable, Bachner requested that more be shipped to him when it became available, according to the plea agreement.
Bachner is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8 – he could face a maximum combined sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.
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puffer fish poison,
tetrodotoxin,
illinois,
lake in the hills,
attempted murder
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